Lee Curtis Cunningham

In Loving Memory of Lee Cunningham

February 11, 1944 - March 29, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lee Curtis Cunningham, who peacefully departed this life on March 29, 2025, to be with our beloved Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was 81.

Born on February 11, 1944, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lee leaves behind a legacy of service, joy, faith, and gratitude. After graduating from Highland High School in 1961, Lee joined the United States Air Force, where he honorably served as a draftsman/illustrator while stationed at Keflavik airbase located on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland. Following his service, Lee’s growing artistic talents led him to a job with Cushing &Neville, Inc, where he worked as a technical illustrator from 1966 to 1967. To further pursue his artistic passions and his marketability, Lee made the decision to attend Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. It was there he met and eventually married his wife Jimmie in 1970. In 1971, Lee completed his Bachelor of Science in Commercial art, painting and sculpture with an emphasis in technical illustration and graduated magna cum laude.

From 1971 to 1973, Lee’s unique skill set, and wide range of abilities helped him secure a position as a technical illustrator and an instructor of trigonometry for Mason & Hanger Silas Mason Co. Inc, located at in the Education and Training Department of Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas. In 1973, Lee accepted a new challenge as the Lead Technical Illustrator at Bell Helicopter, supporting bonded panel fabrication, and he stayed there until 1975, when he and Jimmie made the decision to leave the tornado sirens of west Texas and move their family back to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Over the next few years, Lee worked at Tech Reps, Inc. where he was the head of the illustration department, lead illustrator, process camera operator and film developer. Ultimately, Lee made the decision to start his own company and in 1977 Tech Arts, Co. was born. Over the next five years, Lee worked tirelessly on a wide variety of projects ranging from illustration to publication design, typesetting, and printing. 1982 brought new opportunities, and Lee’s specialized skills landed him a rewarding position at Sandia National Laboratories where he put his talent to work as a member of the Art Department. Lee served as the Coordinator of Technical Illustration Support with the Military Liaison Department and the lead technical illustrator where he created graphic designs, artistic renderings, and computer animations until 1994 when he took over as the Manager of the Printing Department until 2007 when he retired after 25 years of service.

Work was only a small part of who Lee Cunningham was. Lee’s love of learning was evident in his many self-taught endeavors, from playing the piano and learning violin, to teaching himself American Sign Language so he could offer work opportunities at Sandia Laboratories that may not have been readily available to people with hearing disabilities. He had so many interests, and he believed that there was nothing that could not be learned even if it took a long time. Knowledge was for everyone, and he proved it often. Over the years, Lee was deeply involved with Habitat for Humanity which showcased his dedication to community service and his heart for people. It was here that his mastery of construction skills including carpentry and concrete work shone. Lee was generous with his time and knowledge and shared his abilities with neighbors and friends without hesitation. He was a tireless worker and believed in doing a job right, but he was also kindhearted, patient, and quick to laugh at himself. His passion for nature was evident in his love for hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors. Whether he was navigating unknown trails in his trusty jeep or driving across the United States, Lee embraced every opportunity to witness the beauty and diversity this country holds. His adventurous spirit was matched only by his appreciation for the natural world.

Lee was a true patriot, who held a deep love for his country, the Constitution, and the many freedoms it provides. His appreciation for these values was evident in the pride he took in being an American. Lee’s belief in the inherent value of every individual was a guiding principle in his life. He never judged others and always met them with understanding and respect, regardless of their circumstances. An avid reader and historian, he meticulously researched and built a comprehensive database of the aircraft and airmen that served with the 8th Air Force during World War II, an endeavor that took over 10,000-man hours. Over a ten-year period, Lee made hundreds of research contributions to the American Air Museum’s website housed in Duxford, Cambridge, UK and ultimately donated his database to the website so that his efforts would be made available to all those who have an interest in this history and its perpetual preservation.

Above all, Lee was a devoted Christian, passionately sharing his faith through Bible study teachings at his local community center, as well as taking special time to share God’s word with the elderly and infirm. It was his greatest wish that we all find our way home to Glory, and he shared the roadmap of faith without hesitation. He embodied grace, mercy, and love, living by the principle that love is paramount.

Lee is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Jimmie; their two children, Robyn and Ian; his two grandsons, Benjamin and Maximus; and his beloved dogs, Fergus and Dot. Facing his cancer diagnosis with strength and grace, Lee was unafraid of what lay ahead, resting in the comfort of his faith and the promise of reuniting with loved ones in Heaven.

A Celebration of Lee's Life will be held on April 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Daniels Family Memorial Chapel. While flowers are welcome and appreciated, please consider making a donation to the American Air Museum

https://www.americanairmuseum.com/geo/donate or your local Habitat for Humanity.

While nobody can fill the huge hole he left in our lives, we take solace in knowing that we will be rejoined with Lee in Heaven where he will greet us with open arms.